20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Best Medication For ADHD
Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication report that they focus better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing in their growth or a rise in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medication that include liquids, tablets, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.
Stimulants
One of the best medications for ADHD is a class known as stimulants. These drugs enhance focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the brain's pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational skills.
Stimulants come in short and long-acting doses. The short-acting drugs peak within 30 to 45 minutes and have to be taken two or three times a every day. These include methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, and amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they both function in the same way in improving focus and attention. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release formulations. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. adult add medication of these medicines are a powder that you mix with liquid to make a drink, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication may take some time. Your doctor will observe how you react to different types of drugs and adjust the dosage if needed. The use of medication should be part of an overall treatment plan that includes support and behavioral therapy.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication takes a little longer to take effect however it can help you feel more in control, improve your concentration and impulsivity and help you focus. These medications don't affect dopamine and norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, which means they can be safer to use over an extended period of time. They can also have fewer adverse effects, like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine, also known as Intuniv or clonidine, that are both drugs in this group.
Non-stimulant, off-label antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications in the tricyclic antidepressant group, such as Tofranil (imipramine). These medications are only prescribed by physicians if stimulants or other non-stimulants don't work or have too many adverse effects.
Your doctor may prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medicines don't have an immediate effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and improve concentration over time. They're in a different drug class from the other choices and can trigger some adverse effects, such as headaches or shaky hands. Your doctor may also recommend an antidepressant with a low dose, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. It can cause some unpleasant but not usually serious side effects such as hearing loss or changes in vision.